An action plan to enhance the transfer of learning of pain management competencies of nurses in Saudi Arabian teaching hospitals

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop an action plan that would facilitate the enhancement of the transfer of learning (TOL) of pain management competencies amongst nurses at teaching hospitals in Saudi Arabia. Methods: The study employed a five-phase explanatory sequential mixed method de-sign. The study commenced with quantitative data collection and analysis, followed by qualitative data collection and analysis. Nurses and clinical facilitators completed a self-administered questionnaire to assess pain assessment resources in Phase 1. Phase 2 collected data and analysed nurses’ characteristics and learning styles with a self-administered questionnaire. Phase 3 described hospital teaching methods, the learning content, and the learning climate using clinical facilitator data from self-ad-ministered surveys with closed and open-ended questions. In Phase 4, Phases 1, 2, and 3 data and a literature review were used to develop an action plan to enhance nurses’ pain management competencies. In Phase 5, a purposively selected panel of clinical facilitators and nurses validated the action plan to enhance the transfer of learning of pain management competencies of nurses within the context. The Systemic Model of Transfer of Learning by Donavan and Darcy (2011) was the study’s theoretical framework. This model suggests individual and organizational performance as the link between the transfer of learning and work environment characteristics. The model is based on the idea that four factors influence the transfer of learning in the workplace: 1) trainee characteristics (the nurses), 2) training design (learning content), 3) training transfer climate, and 4) work environment. The findings: The action plan was validated and approved to enhance the transfer of learning of pain management competencies of nurses in Saudi Arabian teaching hospitals. The action plan encompassed the specified actions, which were to motivate nurses to further their studies, make appropriate and relevant pain management tools accessible to the nursing team in every clinical area, develop a practice-oriented content-specific short pain management training program, develop a pain management short program that accommodates all learning types, incorporate different teaching approaches to accommodate diverse learners and facilitators in the training of pain management, develop strategies to motivate nurses to participate in the short training program and motivate nurses to apply the knowledge gained in the training program into practice. Conclusion: The action plan was prepared by incorporating the insights of twelve e-Delphi panelists consisting of clinical facilitators and registered nurses. The presence of two teaching hospitals in Saudi Arabia will increase the likelihood of adopting and implementing the action plan that will help nurses effectively transfer their knowledge of pain management and enhance their competencies.